The unpredictable spring continued with an upset victory over the Winnipeg Jets, which gave the Golden Knights a surprising berth in the Stanley Cup Final against Washington.  The Capitals have had their share of playoff heartbreak over the years - they'd only made it to one Cup Final in their 44-year history and were swept by Detroit - so it was a nice matchup featuring two teams looking to make history.  While Vegas was able to win the first game of the series at home, they would suffer defeat in each of the next four games, allowing Washington to hoist the Stanley Cup after Game 5.

The Golden Knights had repeatedly shocked the hockey world, but it looked as though the team had simply run out of gas by the end.  The disappointment that I felt was ever so brief, as that would be replaced by the admiration of seeing the likes of Alexander Ovechkin and company deliver a championship to those long-suffering Capitals fans.  On the day of their victory parade, the Capitals even made the classy gesture of taking out a full-page ad in a prominent Las Vegas newspaper to extend their gratitude:

In today's RJ: A message from the @Capitals to the @GoldenKnights: "Congratulations to the Vegas Golden Knights on the most successful inaugural season in the history of professional sports" #VegasBorn #ALLCAPS pic.twitter.com/8fDaR1r0VM

— Las Vegas RJ (@reviewjournal) June 12, 2018

It was an entertaining series with a bittersweet finish, which finally gave me a chance to reflect on this amazing ride:

- I followed the Expansion Draft closely, even appearing as a guest on the popular Puck Podcast twice to discuss the newly-formed roster of players.  

- I was at the first rookie scrimmage between the Golden Knights and the Los Angeles Kings, where I met some esteemed media members to "talk shop".

- I was at a preseason game in Anaheim, wearing my Vegas hat and marveling at the small handful of visiting fans sporting Golden Knights apparel.

- I was there at the first home game in Vegas on October 10, somberly watching Deryk Engelland give his pre-game speech which sent chills down my spine.

While I wasn't able to attend any of the playoff games, my friend Chad and I did consider driving over for a watch party during the Cup Final.  We ultimately chose not to make the trip, but my sister was in Las Vegas that week and did manage to pick up a puck and program for me:

Also, Chad somehow got us tickets for Game 7 of the Final, which was the only really disappointing part of the series result. As a hockey fan for so many years, I certainly hope I get the opportunity to see a Final game in the near future.  Another small consolation prize - I pre-ordered this set of commemorative hockey cards, which should be delivered sometime next month:

JUST IN: New 2018 @UpperDeckSports @GoldenKnights inaugural season commemorative 55-card set @Fanatics. #VegasBorn pic.twitter.com/LUYx5Ic4Gd

— Fanatics Authentic (@FansAuthentic) May 15, 2018

It's been a great year, and I'm patiently awaiting the 2018-19 season and my next chance to see this team take the ice once again.  While I'm sure the roster might look different - I'll be able to go into more detail next month after the Entry Draft and Free Agency period opens - I still can't wait to see what they'll have in store!

THANK YOU fans for being a part of this incredible inaugural season.

THANK YOU Vegas for welcoming us to our home. pic.twitter.com/dwjvke7Aqq

— Vegas Golden Knights (@GoldenKnights) June 8, 2018

LAST MONTH'S PREDICTIONS

I. SHEA THEODORE WILL OUTSCORE ALL VEGAS DEFENSEMEN IN THE CONFERENCE FINAL
Perhaps Winnipeg had checked the scouting reports from the first two playoff series, but they effectively reduced the scoring chances from the Vegas backend, as the Knights defense would combine to score only 8 points (1 goal, 7 assists) in the entire series.  Theodore would notch a mere two assists, tying him with Luca Sbisa - but they both finished behind Brayden McNabb, who tallied the only goal and added two assists of his own.  Brighter days are ahead for the young blueliner, so hopefully this was just a glimpse into his potential.

II. WILLIAM KARLSSON WILL AVERAGE A POINT PER GAME IN THE CONFERENCE FINAL
After terrorizing the league and their first two playoff opponents while centering the "Wildcat Line" (I'm gonna make that stick, I swear), Wild Bill met his match against the Jets, who managed to shut him down and limit his opportunities in the series.  Coming into the conference final with 10 points in 10 playoff games, Karlsson would manage only two goals and an assist in the five games vs. Winnipeg.  Like Theodore, his playoff career is really just getting started, so I'd imagine he'll be back with a vengeance moving forward.

III. THE VEGAS GOLDEN KNIGHTS WILL WIN THE WESTERN CONFERENCE FINAL
I'm not sure exactly how confident I was when I made this statement, but it never hurts to be bold.  After being completely overmatched in Game 1 in Winnipeg, the Knights would storm back with four straight victories to claim the Clarence Campbell Bowl.  Vegas used a relentless forecheck to smother the Jets, keeping their high-powered offense in check - meanwhile, the Knights took advantage of their opportunities with Jonathan Marchessault leading the way (4 goals, 3 assists).  While the magic would run out in the following series, the foundation has been set for a lasting legacy in the desert.


THIS MONTH'S PREDICTIONS

I. VEGAS WILL TRADE UP DURING THE 2ND ROUND OF THE ENTRY DRAFT
As it stands right now, the Knights will be making the second-to-last pick of Round 2 of the upcoming Entry Draft, selecting 61st overall.  Historically speaking, it seems crazy that a first-year expansion team would go into their second-ever Draft with no picks in the top 60.  But after sending their first-round pick to Detroit in the Tomas Tatar trade, and making it all the way to the Stanley Cup Final, this is where they are left to stand.  I know they had a strong Draft last year - making 12 picks in seven rounds - but I get the feeling that GM George McPhee will be active in trying to move up to acquire a higher pick.  I'm not sure how he'll do it (perhaps trading the rights to a pending unrestricted free agent), but I just have a hunch.

II. NEITHER JAMES NEAL NOR DAVID PERRON WILL BE RE-SIGNED
I know I've been banging this drum all season, but the lack of movement on this front is alarming to me.  Perron had a career year and I was expecting a contract extension earlier this season, but then he had an injury setback and was virtually invisible during the playoff run.  As a result, I'm just not sure McPhee will be ready to invest in him long-term.  The same goes for Neal: he's a streaky scorer, and I'm sure he's going to want to get paid after his All-Star season.  I know there is plenty of cap space available, but he'll turn 31 this offseason and will be looking for a lengthy contract that could hamper the team down the road.  They were both integral parts of a memorable season, but the team will have to move forward without them.

III. AT LEAST ONE OF THE KNIGHTS WILL FILE FOR SALARY ARBITRATION
With the July 5 deadline looming for players to elect to go to arbitration, I get the sense that one of the Vegas RFA's will choose to do so.  On the NHL roster, the eligible players are William Karlsson, Colin Miller and Tomas Nosek; meanwhile, Philip Holm and Oscar Dansk are also eligible after spending most of the season in the AHL.  Teemu Pulkinnen can also file for arbitration, but there are already rumors that he's off to play in Russia next season.  If I had to guess, I'd say that Karlsson will almost definitely be the one to file, as I have a hard time seeing he and his agent being on the same page as McPhee when it comes to hammering out a new contract after his breakout season.  Colin Miller would be the next option, as he could look to cash in on a remarkable year as well.

And with that, I bid thee farewell...